Privacy Policy
WA Telehealth Counselling- ABN: 86935470583
Privacy and Confidentiality
Your privacy is important. This service is provided in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) under the Privacy Act 1988, which set out how personal information is collected, used, stored and disclosed.
What information is collected
To provide counselling services, I may collect personal and sensitive information such as:
- your name and contact details
- relevant background information
- health and wellbeing information
- session notes and records
Sensitive information (including health information) is only collected with your consent where it is reasonably necessary for providing counselling support.
Sensitive information will be used only for the primary purpose for which it was obtained, for a secondary purpose that is directly related to the primary purpose with your consent or where required or authorised by law.
How your information is collected
Information is generally collected directly from you during sessions, intake forms, emails, or other communication. In some cases, information may be collected from another person (for example, a GP) with your written consent.
Why your information is collected
Your information is collected to:
- provide counselling services
- maintain accurate clinical records
- communicate with you
- meet legal, ethical, and professional obligations
Your information will only be used or disclosed for the purpose it was collected, unless you provide consent, or disclosure is required or authorised by law.
Confidentiality and limits
All sessions are confidential. However, there are legal and ethical limits to confidentiality. Information may be disclosed without your consent where required, including if:
- there is a serious risk of harm to you or another person
- there are concerns about abuse or neglect
- records are subpoenaed by a court
Storage and security
Your information is stored securely using reasonable safeguards to protect it from misuse, loss, unauthorised access, modification, or disclosure. This may include secure digital systems and encrypted communication platforms.
Information is retained in accordance with legal and professional requirements and securely destroyed or de-identified when no longer required.
Access and correction
You may request access to your personal information at any time, subject to legal limitations. You may also request corrections if your information is inaccurate, incomplete, or out of date.
Overseas disclosure
Some electronic systems used in providing telehealth services may store data overseas. Reasonable steps are taken to ensure these services have appropriate privacy protections.
Complaints
If you have concerns about how your information is handled, you are encouraged to raise this directly with me. If the issue is not resolved, you may contact the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC).
Consent
By engaging in counselling services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this privacy information and consent to the collection, use, and storage of your personal information as described.
AI Tools and Automated Processing
WA Telehealth Counselling may use approved artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist with certain clinical and administrative functions, including drafting session notes, client communications, and administrative documents. Key points relevant to your privacy:
- AI tools are used only with platforms approved by the Practice for data security, privacy compliance, and clinical appropriateness.
- Your identifiable health information is not entered into general-purpose, consumer-grade, or publicly available AI platforms.
- All AI-generated content relating to your care is reviewed and approved by your practitioner before it is used, filed, or sent to you.
- Where AI tools process your information, this occurs within platforms that meet Australian data residency and encryption standards, or with your explicit consent where offshore processing is required.
- AI-generated session transcripts (where consent has been obtained) are clinical records and are stored, retained, and deleted in accordance with the same obligations as all clinical records.
- You have the right to request that AI tools not be used in connection with your records or communications. Please raise this with your practitioner.
Policy Updates
This Privacy Policy may change from time to time and is available by request.
Privacy Policy Complaints and Enquiries
If you have any queries or complaints about our Privacy Policy please contact us.
Email: WATelehealth@proton.me
Phone: +61 0493 318 596